Warhammer 40K: This Week’s Meta Hotness – Drukhari Incubi

6 Minute Read

Jun 9 2021

Let’s take a look at a unit that’s been slicing up the competition as one of Warhammer 40K’s top units, Drukhari Incubi.

In the ever-shifting meta of 40K, armies rise and fall. We’ve spent a lot of time talking about armies that are hot or not, but a lot less time looking at units that are running the show. Today let’s start by taking a look at one of the hottest units currently running around the tabletop.

The Unit

This week’s hot unit Drukhari Incubi. They are an elite close combat-focused heavy infantry unit. These totally-not Aspect Warriors, follow their leader totally-not Pheonix Lord Drazhar into battle with the highest levels of skill. As they are not bound to any sub-faction they can easily be included in any Drukahri army.

Why They Are Good

Incubi are good at one thing really, killing. While this seems like it may limit the unit, it doesn’t really, as they are really, really good at what they do. Thanks to their upgraded weapons a unit, even a small one, of Incubi put out a large number of accurate, high strength D2 attacks. With AP -3 and D2 they are perfect for taking down elite units such as Space Marines. Lethal Precision means they can even bump up their damage to scare units like Custodes, Terminators, and even vehicles. With 3 attacks each, and up to 6 on the leader, a minimum size unit puts out enough attacks that they don’t have to worry about getting bogged down by enemy hordes either. There really are very few close combat targets they are bad against.

They also have the bonus of being a very fire and forget kind of unit. They don’t rely on buffs or tricks to make them good, instead just rocking a really solid stat line. Supporting them with their HQ Drazhar, who you’ll want to take anyway, makes them even better, but isn’t super needed. With a 3+ save they are one of the most armored units in the Codex and Tormentors give them a shot at wiping out units that charge them before they can swing. They are vulnerable to being shot of course, but what isn’t these days. Overall this is a very cost-effective and deadly unit that can be fielded in small units that work well on their own.

A Sample List

Saying a unit is hot is all well and good, but let’s take a look at how players are using it. Incubi have been showing up regularly in meta dominating lists since the new book came out. Last week alone in the two GT’s recorded on 40Kstats Incubi were included in 4 of the 8 lists that made the top 4. One list that highlights them is the list that Matt Root ran to win the Bugeater GT (via 40kstats.com)

++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Aeldari – Drukhari) [56 PL, -2CP, 1,035pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-2CP]

Obsession
. . *Custom Coven*: Dark Technomancers (All-Consuming)

Raiding Forces – CP Refund [2CP]

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Prizes from the Dark City [-1CP]: Additional Relics

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Get Tabletop, RPG & Pop Culture news delivered directly to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

+ HQ +

Archon [5 PL, -1CP, 85pts]: Hatred Eternal, Huskblade, Overlord, Splinter Pistol, Stratagem: Tolerated Ambition, The Djin Blade
. . Splintered Genius (Black Heart): Splintered Genius

+ Troops +

Wracks [3 PL, 60pts]
. . Acothyst: Liquifier Gun, Wrack Blade
. . Wrack w/ Special Weapon: Liquifier Gun, Wrack Blade
. . 3x Wracks: 3x Wrack Blade

+ Elites +

Incubi [4 PL, 80pts]
. . 4x Incubi: 4x Klaive
. . Klaivex: Demiklaives

+ Heavy Support +

Cronos [4 PL, 70pts]
. . Cronos: Spirit Syphon, Spirit-Leech Tentacles

+ Dedicated Transport +

Raider [5 PL, 90pts]: Bladevanes, Coven, Dark Lance, Phantasm Grenade Launcher

Raider [5 PL, 90pts]: Bladevanes, Coven, Dark Lance, Grisly Trophies

++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Drukhari) [14 PL, 2CP, 265pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost

Obsession: Cult of Strife: The Spectacle of Murder (Restricted)

Raiding Forces – CP Refund [2CP]

+ HQ +

Succubus [4 PL, 75pts]: 2 – Grave Lotus (Combat Drug), Competitive Edge, Dark Lotus Toxin, Razorflails, Warlord
. . Show Stealer (Strife): Show Stealer

+ Troops +

Wyches [3 PL, 50pts]: 3 – Hypex (Combat Drug)
. . Hekatrix: Hekatarii Blade, Plasma Grenades, Splinter Pistol
. . 4x Wych: 4x Hekatarii Blade, 4x Plasma Grenades, 4x Splinter Pistol

+ Elites +

Incubi [4 PL, 80pts]
. . 4x Incubi: 4x Klaive
. . Klaivex: Demiklaives

+ Fast Attack +

Reavers [3 PL, 60pts]: 3 – Hypex (Combat Drug)
. . Arena Champion: Bladevanes, Splinter Pistol, Splinter Rifle
. . 2x Reaver: 2x Bladevanes, 2x Splinter Pistol, 2x Splinter Rifle

++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Aeldari – Drukhari) [40 PL, 10CP, 700pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

Detachment Command Cost [-2CP]

Obsession
. . *Custom Coven*: Dark Technomancers (All-Consuming)

Raiding Forces – CP Refund [2CP]

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Prizes from the Dark City [-1CP]: Additional Relics

+ HQ +

Archon [4 PL, -1CP, 65pts]: Ancient Evil, Overlord, Parasite’s Kiss, Splinter Pistol, Stratagem: Tolerated Ambition, Venom Blade

Drazhar [7 PL, 135pts]: The Executioner’s Demiklaives

+ Troops +

Wracks [3 PL, 60pts]
. . Acothyst: Liquifier Gun, Wrack Blade
. . Wrack w/ Special Weapon: Liquifier Gun, Wrack Blade
. . 3x Wracks: 3x Wrack Blade

+ Elites +

Mandrakes [6 PL, 90pts]
. . 5x Mandrake: 5x Baleblast, 5x Glimmersteel Blade
. . Nightfiend: Baleblast, Glimmersteel Blade

+ Heavy Support +

Cronos [4 PL, 70pts]
. . Cronos: Spirit Syphon, Spirit-Leech Tentacles

Using the Unit

This list makes use of the maximum of 3 squads of Incubi. They are all fielded in 5 model units and backed up with Drazhar. Each unit is upgraded to have a leader with demiklavies. These guys form light and cheap assault units that can be massed to break the enemy’s line or sent off on their own to wipe out units and grab objectives. They don’t require much support but there are plenty of transports to get them around. Plus, they have Drazhar to buff them if needed. Thanks to their not being tied to a sub-faction they are able to be fit into the list where there is room, making them even easier to take.

Let us know what units you think are hot right now, down in the comments!

Don't Miss:

Author: Abe Apfel

Abe is that rare thing, an Austin local born and raised here. Though he keeps on moving around, DC, Japan, ETC., he always seems to find his way back eventually. Abe has decades of experience with a wide range of tabletop and RPG games, from historicals, to Star Wars to D&D and 40K. He has been contributing to BOLS since almost the start, back when he worked at and then owned a local gaming store. He used to be big into the competitive Warhammer tournament scene but age has mellowed him and he now appreciates a good casual match. He currently covers 40K tactics and lore, as well as all things Star Wars, with occasional dabbling in other topics. Abe remains in mourning over the loss of WFB to this day.

Armylists Dark Eldar - Drukhari Rules Warhammer 40k Warhammer 40K 9th Edition